BANGUED, Abra — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr (PBBM) assured prompt recovery assistance to Super Typhoon Egay victims when he visited the province on Saturday (July 29), two days after the tropical cyclone ravaged many areas in Northern Luzon, to personally check on the status of affected families and damages on various sectors and to distribute relief assistance.
“Kaya kami nandito para tiyakin na maayos ang takbo at magbigay ng instructions para maliwanag kung ano ang mga dapat nating gawin,” the President stated during the distribution of various forms of assistance like food packs and cash assistance to typhoon- affected individuals.
He also provided financial assistance of P20 million to the provincial government of Abra, and P10 M to other typhoon-hit provinces of Benguet and Mountain Province.
The Chief Executive ensured prompt action in the restoration of utility services like water and electricity in communities following the calamity.
“Ang pinaka-importante ay ang water supply pero susunod diyan ay ang kuryente. Ang nangyari dito sa probinsya ng Abra ay bumagsak ang mga poste kaya’t kailangan na naman natin na either itayo ulit or magtayo ng mga bago. Kasabay doon ay kailangan nating tignan ‘yung mga connection na maayos,” he stated.
“Ang dati nating ginagawa ‘pag may bagyo, humihingi tayo ng tulong sa ibang probinsya na magpadala sila ng lineman. Noong Typhoon Odette ganon ang aming ginawa para makatulong, at iyon din ang gagawin natin dito sa Abra,” he added.
The President also committed to ensure that all families with damaged houses will be provided with assistance and materials to rebuild their homes.
“Ang susunod diyan ang ‘yong rehabilitation at rebuilding na. Ang tinitignan naman natin diyan kung gaano karami ang damage, ilan ‘yong talagang nasiraan, ano iyong mga damage at mapro-provide din kami ng building materials para maitayo ulit,” he assured.
On the disaster communication mechanism, PBBM assured that the government will boost communication capability by sending additional satellites to remote areas.
“Magdadagdag din tayo ng mga satellite para sa mga malalayong lugar dito kasi sila talaga ang nangangailangan ng communication para makareport sila sa atin kung ano ang nangyayari sa kanila at kung ano ang mga pangangailangan nila.”
The President commended the local disaster risk reduction and management teams for their prompt and effective action in assisting the affected families.
“Mahusay naman ang mga disaster response team natin sa LGUs at national. Maganda naman ang ugnayan ng LGU at national kaya sa palagay ko sa lalong madaling panahon, maibabalik na natin lahat ng mga serbisyo na kinakailangan dito sa Abra,” he stated.
Per latest situation report of the Abra PDRRMC, more than 41,000 Abrenian families were reported affected by ST Egay while initial consolidated cost of damages on agricultural crops and livestock and infrastructures reached P1 billion.
The province is placed under a State of Calamity under Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 143, s. 2023. PIA – CAR
